What is it called when a person has no legs?

Hello, I'm an expert in medical terminology and human anatomy. I'm here to provide you with an accurate and comprehensive answer to your question. When a person is born without legs, the condition is known as "amelia." This term is derived from the Greek word "a-" meaning "not," and "meli" meaning "limb." Amelia is a congenital condition, which means it's present from birth. It can affect one or more limbs and can vary in severity. In some cases, individuals with amelia may have a small amount of limb tissue, while in others, the limb may be entirely absent. It's important to note that amelia is different from amputation. Amputation refers to the surgical removal of a limb or a part of a limb. This is typically done to treat a severe injury or a medical condition, such as a tumor or an infection that can't be controlled with medication. Amputation is not a congenital condition; it's an acquired one. Now, let's discuss some of the potential causes of amelia. There are several factors that can contribute to this condition: 1. Genetic Factors: In some cases, amelia may be caused by genetic mutations. These mutations can occur spontaneously or can be inherited from one or both parents. 2. Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors during pregnancy can increase the risk of amelia. For example, certain medications, infections, or chemicals can interfere with the normal development of the limbs. 3. Maternal Health: The health of the mother during pregnancy can also play a role in the development of amelia. Conditions such as diabetes or malnutrition can increase the risk of this condition. 4. Random Events: In some cases, amelia may occur due to random events during the development of the embryo. These events are not caused by genetic or environmental factors. It's also worth mentioning that amelia can be associated with other congenital conditions. For example, individuals with amelia may also have heart defects, kidney problems, or other developmental abnormalities. Now, let's talk about the treatment and management of amelia. There is no cure for amelia, but there are several ways to help individuals with this condition lead fulfilling lives: 1. Prosthetics: Prosthetic limbs can be used to help individuals with amelia move around more easily. These prosthetics can be customized to meet the specific needs of each individual. 2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help individuals with amelia build strength and improve their mobility. This can involve exercises to strengthen the core muscles and other areas of the body. 3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy can help individuals with amelia learn to perform daily tasks, such as dressing or cooking, using adaptive equipment or techniques. 4. Psychological Support: Living with amelia can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Psychological support, such as counseling or support groups, can help individuals with this condition cope with the challenges they face. In conclusion, amelia is a congenital condition where a person is born without legs. It's different from amputation, which is the surgical removal of a limb. Amelia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental exposures, maternal health, and random events during development. While there is no cure for amelia, there are several ways to help individuals with this condition lead fulfilling lives, including prosthetics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.

Answered Aug 17, 2017 -- Author has 200 answers and 43.2k answer views. The condition where a person is born without one or more limbs (either entirely or a gross deformation where most the of the limb(s) is missing) is amelia. If it is a removal of a limb that was there then the term amputation is used.